Million Ways to Save - Latest Commentshttp://millionwaystosave.disqus.com/enTue, 01 Jul 2014 13:18:31 -0000Re: Why I Left Textbrokerhttp://millionwaystosave.com/why-i-left-textbroker/#comment-1463664049<p>"I was a 4 star (out of 5) writer on Textbroker for over a year. I <br>stopped being a writer for them for many reasons, but it’s still a <br>reasonable service for those who can overlook their flaws. Here are <br>some of the reasons that I left writing for Textbroker, and moved on to <br>some of the other ‘content mills’ for my piecework."</p><p>1. 4-star<br>2. its flaws, not their flaws<br>3. I left Textbroker, not I left writing for Textbroker<br>4. no comma needed after Textbroker</p><p>Can't imagine why it didn't work out for you. /sarcasm</p>Jaiden EverettTue, 01 Jul 2014 13:18:31 -0000Re: Why I Left Textbrokerhttp://millionwaystosave.com/why-i-left-textbroker/#comment-1260747080<p>The comment about the comma is so true about Textbroker! I have an English degree and they got me on my comma placements; so much so that they lowered my rating and talked trashed about my "professionalism" to my client. Little did they know I personally know my client and she said they told her I am a "junior high level writer" (this is a gregarious lie). This is a huge problem probably overlooked my authors/clients because of the no contact policy.</p>JaymersTue, 25 Feb 2014 21:04:05 -0000Re: Why I Left Textbrokerhttp://millionwaystosave.com/why-i-left-textbroker/#comment-1116719427<p>A few years back I worked for Textbroker. I had a number of Direct Order Clients and very high feedback from ALL of my clients, but Textbroker would never "up" my rating to 5 Stars. Though I have a writing background and did great work for them, I got tired of working for peanuts and felt that regardless of the clients who asked me "not to leave", Textbroker would never give my that 5th Star to make the time spent worthwhile.</p>Sharon S.Sun, 10 Nov 2013 12:33:02 -0000Re: Why I Left Textbrokerhttp://millionwaystosave.com/why-i-left-textbroker/#comment-904876019<p>It's crazy crazy. I remember one of the articles that I had - they requested that I use the keyword 200 times in a 600 word article (or something obscene like that). I ended up writing the article as I was going to do and then putting their keywords at the end of it 200 times. I was thankful that TB didn't ding me for it.</p><p>*smiles* I SO in favor of writing awesome content and sliding away from SEO junk - but admittedly, it makes a living.</p>Emily HunterWed, 22 May 2013 10:30:47 -0000Re: Why I Left Textbrokerhttp://millionwaystosave.com/why-i-left-textbroker/#comment-904839082<p>Hi Emily. Thank you for this site! It is helpful for those of us new to TB. I was reading through the threads and came across an observation concerning the use of numerous keywords in short articles. I had to laugh because my 3rd client requested the plural form of their keywords used 17-19 times in a 530 word article. I am fearful, though the client accepted my article immediately, that anyone who reads it will wonder just how few brain cells are left rattling around in my noggin....I am submitting my 5th article today. I guess we'll see, eh?<br>Thanks again,<br>Niki</p>NikiWed, 22 May 2013 09:52:29 -0000Re: Why I Left Textbrokerhttp://millionwaystosave.com/why-i-left-textbroker/#comment-903134718<p>It truly makes me wonder what will happen after the new Penguinator takes the stage - the traditional SEO articles still work to some extent, but they pale in comparison to social interaction and people who care about the topics involved.</p><p>I think that writer instruction forms is a perfect idea! You're just kinda thrown into the pot without a second thought -- it took me a while to figure out what the hell was going on.</p>Emily HunterMon, 20 May 2013 13:26:56 -0000Re: Why I Left Textbrokerhttp://millionwaystosave.com/why-i-left-textbroker/#comment-903129033<p>You're absolutely right - it's crazy, but as long as there are people from all over the world who are willing to accept this type of treatment, the place will stay around. Honestly, as long as people are willing to accept the two star quality articles on their internet, this place will stay in business.</p><p>For the record, I SUCK at self editing. I'm really amazingly bad at it, which is one of the reasons that I never became a five star writer. :) I figure that you've found some other pools to play in, too?</p>Emily HunterMon, 20 May 2013 13:23:54 -0000Re: Why I Left Textbrokerhttp://millionwaystosave.com/why-i-left-textbroker/#comment-903028684<p>:) lol. I realize this is a year later, but am thoroughly enjoying this whole thread!</p>jayneMon, 20 May 2013 12:08:41 -0000Re: Why I Left Textbrokerhttp://millionwaystosave.com/why-i-left-textbroker/#comment-903027193<p>Thanks for sharing that! It makes me feel a lot better about the "broken" editorial system they use (their high and mighty editors who do not write "high quality" blogs, thank you very much!)</p>jayneMon, 20 May 2013 12:07:06 -0000Re: Why I Left Textbrokerhttp://millionwaystosave.com/why-i-left-textbroker/#comment-903025159<p>LOL! So true to all of that!</p>jayneMon, 20 May 2013 12:04:49 -0000Re: Why I Left Textbrokerhttp://millionwaystosave.com/why-i-left-textbroker/#comment-903024306<p>I am in absolute agreement about the comma usage. Textbroker writes that it wants accurate writing, but surely goes against this rule when tossing out the serial comma.</p>jayneMon, 20 May 2013 12:03:46 -0000Re: Why I Left Textbrokerhttp://millionwaystosave.com/why-i-left-textbroker/#comment-903022433<p>Thank you for writing this!</p><p>I love that Textbroker wants high quality writing but doesn't want to pay for it. I wish I could be an editor for them, because the editor passes all responsibilities onto the writer, such as proofreading, copy editing, and re-reading (in addition to writing for one penny per word).</p><p>Really my greatest pet peeve may actually get them into hot water. They never asked how much the writer charges for his or her writing. Textbroker may actually be treading on thin ice as far as IRS compliance goes. Just my personal opinion. So, one day would not be surprised to see them backpedal off the "high quality for pennies" and ask us our actual pay rate, and pay their portion of taxes.</p><p>Only at a job do you get told how to do the job, what system to use to do it, and are told how much you are going to get paid. Contractors get to set a rate, and pay their own self employment taxes. So, how come I am paying the taxes; getting paid one penny per word, while expanding my "job" to include self editing?</p>jayneMon, 20 May 2013 12:01:37 -0000Re: Why I Left Textbrokerhttp://millionwaystosave.com/why-i-left-textbroker/#comment-884011037<p>Textbroker is "almost but not quite." You never get a sense of stability there, since one errant comma can ding you into the Twilight Zone. I spend more time proofreading than research and writing combined. Something ain't right. I honestly and truly wish editors would stop foisting their work onto writers like they are some kind of self-appointed Comma Gestapo. Writing for the web is NOT about stylistics. That is why the publishing/media industry is sinking into the tar pits of history with the other dinosaurs. And journalists are now whoring term papers to spoiled parasites.</p><p>Anyway, TB needs several things - first, to get rid of the ding system and to reward loyalty and give a sense of stability for writers. Second, raising the writer rates or offer more tiers at REAL pay rates for REAL writing. Third, to force editors to edit and not gatekeep, and let writers write and not also edit - *without due compensation*. Bulk copy for bulk rates. Period.</p><p>Third, UPDATE ITS BIZARRE, VISION-KILLING, USER-HATING ARCHITECTURE, A$$-CREEPING SERVERS, AND RIDICULOUS SEARCH FUNCTION.</p><p>Fourth, HOW ABOUT WRITER INSTRUCTION FORMS FOR THE CRACKHEAD SET?</p><p>Of course, TB does not have to do a thing. In which case, it will become a self-correcting problem as there are numerous new writing providers cropping up that heed Google's clarion call to quality. Textbroker can cling to its bulk writing philosophy and suffer its impending doom.</p><p>Cheers : )</p>Victor TheremineSat, 04 May 2013 03:40:20 -0000Re: Why I Left Textbrokerhttp://millionwaystosave.com/why-i-left-textbroker/#comment-872365619<p>Hey, just found this article and I'm pretty new to textbroker myself. I've seen a lot of different reviews for this site and seems like for the most part I've found them to be pretty positive. I would say the site is in fact probably tailored more towards beginning writers hence why the pay rate is lower, though where I've come from in the job world, this site with enough efficiency in article completion definitely is a step up from that, so I guess I just can't complain about that, key becomes the speed at which you complete your articles which as you get more and more comfortable with them definitely increases. Seems like from what I'm saw in the open order pool there's actually very few 2 star articles and a lot of 3 and 4 star articles available, which that just might be one of those things that changes over time and can fluctuate a lot depending on the client base I guess. As for the serial comma, I don't really like that either, but it's small enough for me that I'm willing to make the adjustment.</p><p> The only things I really got a beef with are numbers 3 and 5, and 3 more so because they have definitely gotta find a way to speed up the rating after you complete your first 5 articles, no reason it should take weeks to get done. I'm 50/50 over article ratings being client-based. Going back to the statement about the site being tailored more towards beginning writers, they probably wanted to ensure that those just starting out in the writing world weren't gonna find themselves at the mercy of clients who might be out to take advantage of them by having full control over whether or not they accept the article. Plus if they had any beef with textbroker and payment issues, they might unfairly slap the author with a 1 star rating even if he didn't deserve it, so that's probably why the site editors choose to control the author rating. On the flip-side that doesn't help an author who's gotten such good feedback from clients that he can't get paid better because the site won't see his rating at any better.</p><p> Anyone here know anything about demand studios? I've heard that site pays higher than textbroker.</p>Maxwell EMon, 22 Apr 2013 12:48:09 -0000Re: I have DUMB goalshttp://millionwaystosave.com/i-have-dumb-goals/#comment-746798021<p>Thank you for commenting! SMART goals just never made sense to me as far as day to day. I mean, you can broaden them out and in the A section, there's an expected breakdown, but still. :) What kind of goals do you have? </p>Emily HunterMon, 24 Dec 2012 07:20:16 -0000Re: I have DUMB goalshttp://millionwaystosave.com/i-have-dumb-goals/#comment-746756161<p>You are on the right path, according to me, with dumb goals. Keep on the spirit and I think will will achieve a lot more than you would have, if you stuck with smart goals.</p>Christiano KwenaMon, 24 Dec 2012 04:37:33 -0000Re: Why I Left Textbrokerhttp://millionwaystosave.com/why-i-left-textbroker/#comment-734642134<p>In response to SteveT's comments about the 32 articles in a row with a 3 rating after having submitted hundreds at 4, well, that happened to me as well. However, in my case, I wrote well over 600 articles with a 4 grade on all of them over a two year period, only to be hit with 50+ articles in a row with a grade of 3 in a single batch review. Now, most might assume that I am exaggerating the 600 articles number; but I'm not. Seriously, 600 in a row were rated 4 and then 50 in a row rated at 3. It's not possible unless something changed.</p><p>I do agree that they use the ratings system to reduce excess writer opportunities and costs. I also think that there are different applications of the AP style guide from one editor to another.</p><p>It's unfortunate. I simply can't write for such a low amount and enjoyed grabbing one or two articles every other day. The AP style guide has serious flaws and the example about the Oxford/Serial comma is spot on.</p><p>Than you for the post. </p>Ian JohnsonThu, 13 Dec 2012 02:55:18 -0000Re: Find Your Passion: Create a New Income Streamhttp://millionwaystosave.com/find-your-passion-create-a-new-income-stream/#comment-731676274<p>Thanks for sharing 10 Multiple Income Streams You Can Create, Emily! Much appreciated. :)</p>Heather AllardSun, 09 Dec 2012 09:52:35 -0000Re: Why I Left Textbrokerhttp://millionwaystosave.com/why-i-left-textbroker/#comment-630160295<p>Hey, sorry for responding so late -- it's been one heck of a ride recently as I told Danny. Thank you very much for commenting. No, it's not you at all. TB is crazy weird about commas, and that's one of the things that they'll pin you against the wall for. I hate to say that because of my experience with them I've become hypercomma'ated. Thank,you,again. :) (just kidding - bad use of commas gets me too. ) </p>Emily HunterSun, 26 Aug 2012 20:01:52 -0000Re: Why I Left Textbrokerhttp://millionwaystosave.com/why-i-left-textbroker/#comment-630155690<p>It's awesome that they got back to you about the missing money -- they are usually reasonable about money issues -- and I'm sorry that it took me forever and a day to write back. Holy cow it's been a time. :) Thank you for your comment and your follow up! </p>Emily HunterSun, 26 Aug 2012 19:58:49 -0000Re: Why I Left Textbrokerhttp://millionwaystosave.com/why-i-left-textbroker/#comment-630153662<p>First of all, thanks for responding, David! Yeah, that kind of hold on the articles wouldn't have been so bad were there not money on the line. When I did mine, IIRC, it took about a week for them to get to it, so I'd expect something to come up tomorrow.</p><p>The good articles, the ones that will really get your brain pumping, are in the 4 star category (if it's still the same) -- the 3s are crap articles about building furniture or SEO work for profit systems and junk like that. And.. I can't think of anything to say about hyperpigmentation - almost makes me want to start an SEO campaign to rank for it. :)</p><p>Here's hoping that they love you!</p><p>--Emily</p>Emily HunterSun, 26 Aug 2012 19:57:37 -0000Re: Why I Left Textbrokerhttp://millionwaystosave.com/why-i-left-textbroker/#comment-629910046<p>It's very interesting for a new-boy to read the perspective of someone established in the industry. The rating time frame is of particular issue since I am currently on my 5-article hold and have been for around a week now. The annoying thing is imagining the flow of articles passing by in the knowledge that you could and would write about them, I stooped to an article on hyperpigmentation for God's sake!</p><p></p>David VallanceSun, 26 Aug 2012 17:46:07 -0000Re: Why I Left Textbrokerhttp://millionwaystosave.com/why-i-left-textbroker/#comment-615639200<p>for the record, textbroker did make the missing payment to me...so, no more complaints...</p>ynnadFri, 10 Aug 2012 11:04:51 -0000Re: Why I Left Textbrokerhttp://millionwaystosave.com/why-i-left-textbroker/#comment-614296284<p>Hi all, I will add my own TB experience here. My problem is I had my payment sent to a paypal that was not verified and could not withdraw the money. (My mistake) My recourse was to refund the money to them. I did this. After a bit of discussion with paypal and melissa at author support, plus some emails to show the refund took place, I was told the problem was going to be sent to accounting and in 1-3 business days I would get the money minus a $5 fee. No problem. We are at 9 business days and counting and no one writes me back when I ask about the money. They still pay me at my working paypal for writing I do but the one refunded payment is in limbo. </p>DannyThu, 09 Aug 2012 04:05:25 -0000Re: Why I Left Textbrokerhttp://millionwaystosave.com/why-i-left-textbroker/#comment-610798054<p>I am so thankful for this article. I was demoted from a 4 star to a 3 star for my commas, and for the life of me I could not figure out why. The clients rated me highly for my articles. Every 3 rating from TB had me scratching my head and cursing, haha. I thought I was going insane. Seriously, I'm glad to know it wasn't just me. :)</p>Alanik22Mon, 06 Aug 2012 02:02:08 -0000